Animal Care Technician I (Intake/Admissions)

Position Description

Duties/Responsibilities

(Work assignments vary and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.)

LEVEL I: (Typical work functions expected of Animal Care Technician designated as Level I)

Checks incoming animals for obvious health problems and injuries;

Ensures the humane treatment of all animals in the PACC;

Ensures the accuracy and completeness of documentation concerning incoming animals;

Identifies types of breeds and conditions upon receipt to the PACC;

Vaccinates healthy animals and assists in administering medication to sick animals as prescribed and directed by a veterinarian;

Monitors animal behavior and eating patterns;

Cleans and sanitizes cages, kennels, floors, walls, windows, equipment, and treatment areas to maintain the sanitary conditions of the PACC;

Assists the public with booking-in, redemption, and selecting suitable animals for adoption;

Answers questions and provides information to the public on PACC policies, procedures, and relevant laws and ordinances;

Assists in performing euthanasia of animals, including following safety protocols for use and maintenance of DEA Schedule II drugs;

Reviews and sorts documents, creates new records and inputs and retrieves information using automated systems;

Prepares and updates files, logs, status records, and other documentation to reflect the current status of a process and performs required purges;

Documents information regarding potential or identified owners, interested parties, rescue arrangements and other information on kennel cards and established detailed records of euthanasia and dead-on-arrival cases;

Assists in maintaining accountability of scheduled drugs;

Receives and safeguards funds for PACC services.

LEVEL II: (Typical work functions expected of Animal Care Technician designated as Level II)

All duties and responsibilities identified in Level I;

Assesses newly acquired animals for suitability for adoption;

Administers necessary treatment in accordance with directions received from veterinarian;

Administers medications to sick animals as prescribed and directed by a veterinarian;

Performs animal triage and treatment;

Performs daily health checks on impounded animals;

Performs euthanasia of animals;

Documents pertinent animal health data;

Prepares and processes euthanized, potentially rabid animals for laboratory analysis;

Collects and disposes of dead animals according to shelter procedure and health codes;

Releases designated rescue or special needs animals to appropriate rescue groups or private individuals and records transfer of animals into databases and completes documentation;

Prepares and disseminates animal availability information to interested agencies and individuals;

Maintains and documents communications with rescue entities, other agencies and individuals regarding availability of animals;

Trains Level I employees on Level I tasks;

May serve as Lead Animal Care Technician in the absence of a supervisor.

Level III: (Typical work functions expected of Animal Care Technician designated as Level III)

All duties and responsibilities identified in Level I and II;

Assists the veterinarian in clinical medical procedures such as surgical assistant, surgical anesthesiologist, surgical preparation of patients/animals and equipment, pre and post operation patient/animal care;

Operates anesthesia equipment and performs anesthesia on various species and breeds of animals;

Maintains accountability of DEA controlled pharmaceuticals;

Applies bandages and/or places splints on injured animals;

Receives and safeguards funds for medical procedures;

Trains Level I and II employees on Level I and II tasks.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

Knowledge of:

• animal breeds, temperaments, and common health problems;
• animal care procedures for assessing and treating sick or injured animals;
• animal shelter/kennel cleaning and maintenance practices and procedures;
• automated record keeping and report preparation;
• animal shelter procedure and practices;
• veterinarian technician animal handling and medical procedures and practices;
• medical testing techniques and use of radiographic equipment;
• techniques of customer service involving stressful situations.

• identifying and treating common animal illnesses and injuries;
• following established procedures and documenting work activity;
• performing routine facility and equipment cleaning and maintenance work;
• humane handling and caring for live animals;
• communicating effectively with the public;
• use of automated information system for tracking data and report generation;
• performing euthanasia procedure according to shelter policy and relevant codes;
• safely handling and disposing of dead animals.

Minimum Qualifications

A high school diploma or General Education Development (G.E.D.) certificate.

• Experience working, volunteering, or interning in an animal shelter, boarding/training facility, animal clinic setting, or other relevant animal care setting.
• Customer service experience.
• Experience working or volunteering with dogs and cats.

Supplemental Information

Licenses and Certificates: Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record.

Special Notice Items: The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County. Completion of a rabies vaccination cycle is required within two (2) months of hire.

Physical/Sensory Requirements: This position will require a post-job offer physical and drug screen.

EEO Information: Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.